How to Choose Toys for Your Rabbit

Rabbits are very sociable, intelligent, and curious, so they can get bored easily, if they have nothing to do. Rabbits love to play, explore, and race around the house, especially with their human companions. If your rabbit trusts you and has a good relationship with you, then you are in for a treat. When rabbits play, they enjoy tossing things, jumping, racing about, lunging at "the enemy," and playing chase games.

1. Step 1

   Buy some rabbit-safe toys for your rabbit to play with. These include hard plastic baby key rattles, small untreated baskets (natural, with no varnishes or colorings), plastic Slinky toys (make sure the Slinky is too small for your rabbit to get its head or paws stuck in it), some kitten play toys like wire balls with bells in them (again, make sure they're too small for your rabbit's paws or head to get stuck in).

2. Step 2

   Sit on the floor with your rabbit. Rabbits, like cats, are independent. You must play with them on their terms and where they feel safe.

3. Step 3

   If the toy makes noise, shake it and then place it in your rabbit's play area, close enough for your rabbit to reach. He will probably sniff it, then pick it up and toss it.

4. Step 4

   Dry, clean, empty toilet paper rolls stuffed with Timothy hay are another neat toy; your rabbit will enjoy nibbling the hay stuffed inside and chewing and tossing the cardboard roll.

5. Step 5

   Use the toys to play with your rabbit. Be careful not to scare him. If your rabbit wants to play, he may lunge at the toy you're offering him and pretend attack it. Let him have it to toss around. Praise him lavishly for his antics.

6. Step 6

   Give your rabbit newspaper or a telephone book to shred. Since rabbits are chewers, they love to shred paper. Make sure your rabbit isn't eating these objects.